Your 2017 Monterey Porsche Auction Preview

GOODING & CO.

Gooding brings a collection of top-shelf offerings to Monterey this year, and among their crop are two gems which will turn every single head which passes them. Both iconic racing cars of decades gone by, this remarkable pair ought to have the spectators salivating; not just for the eras which these cars helped define, but for their incredible spec and the fortunes they'll command at auction.

1970 PORSCHE 917K

Estimate: $13,000,000-16,000,000.

Arguably the most iconic machine to go on auction this year, this Gulf-liveried 917K is a stunner with a past spent on the silver screen. Not only was 917-024 leased to Steve McQueen's Solar Productions for use in the making of the seminal film Le Mans (1971), but it was used extensively for testing in 1970 at Le Mans in the talented hands of Mike Hailwood and and Brian Redman. Part of Jo Siffert's personal collection, 917-024 spent decades in a dusty warehouse outside of Paris until its discovery in 2001.

The ultimate barnfind was meant to go to auction back in 2014, but the detailed restoration process prevented it from doing so. Now, with the restoration complete and every detail carefully documented, the car is ready to make its auction debut, where, with its provenance, should have no problem finding a new owner.

1994 PORSCHE 964 CARRERA 3.8 RSR

Estimate: $900,000–$1,100,000

This immaculate 1994 Carrera RSR, finished in Grand Prix White, won the IMSA GT2 Championship, came second in the Exxon Championship, and clinched Second in Class in the World Porsche Cup in 1994. Powered by a 3.8-liter M64/04 RSR-specific engine, this svelte roadcourse marvel can sprint to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds thanks to the advertised 325 horsepower on tap, though, in reality, that figure is closer to 375 horsepower. That grunt, matched with a chassis weighing roughly 2,600 pounds, allowed for performance that put it at the sharp end of the pack in IMSA GT2, SCCA and PCA events for well over a decade. Despite its colorful history and race results, Chassis 81 has been well-preserved and comes with an extensive spares package including original wheels, electronic control units, suspension parts, and bodywork options, and other documentation such as a Porsche Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, Porsche Motorsport North America invoices and correspondence, race history, and period photographs.HIGHLIGHTS

BONHAMS

Bonhams brings a stable of delectable 356s to Monterey in 2017, and one tractor. Yes, you read that correctly—on auction is a classic piece of agricultural machinery which might take the dedicated Porschephile by surprise. Expected to wrangle somewhere between $45,000 and $60,000, this 1961 Porsche Junior 108 tractor might be one of the few unknowns which can offer a unique blend of whimsy, exclusivity, and a glimpse into Porsche's foray into the agricultural segment. Powered by a 14-horsepower diesel engine, this quirky little gem might be the least powerful machine at Monterey 2017, but it ought to be a crowd pleaser.

RM SOTHEBY'S

Of all the cars on offer from this house, the one which ought to garner the most attention is their pristine 993 GT2. This monster, nicknamed "The Widowmaker," struck fear in the hearts of many and was Porsche's last turbocharged 911 homologated for motorsports, most notably for the BPR Endurance Series, and later for FIA GT. Due to the cult appeal of this car, the limited numbers (only 57 road cars were ever built), and the rising value of the 993 market, this GT2 shouldn't have any problem selling north of the million-dollar range.

MECUM

Mecum brings a wide variety of Porsche to Monterey this year. Perhaps the mos striking of their group is the 4.0-liter Brumos Edition Cup Car, which is a must-have for any die-hard 911 racer. This 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 4.0 is one of the last five U.S.-specification GT3 Cup cars built by Porsche that year, all of which were offered by Porsche’s long-time American racing partner, Brumos Porsche. Test driven and approved for delivery by Hurley Haywood, this very exclusive Brumos Commemorative Edition Porsche GT3 qualifies for SCCA, Porsche Club of America, and Porsche Owner’s Club competition.

RUSSO AND STEELE

Russo and Steele's eclectic collection of Porsches ought to have any stripe of automotive fan interested, but those with an eye for appreciation will take note of the exclusive 911 R in their stable. Like all their offerings, the estimate for the 911 R is not listed, but expect this thoroughbred to fetch north of the half-million mark.